THOMAS BONSOR CROMPTON

1778

April 5th - John Crompton of Great Lever, Lancashire and Elizabeth Bonsor married in the Ecclesfield Parish Church, Yorkshire, England.

1792

May 20th - Thomas Bonsor Crompton born at Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire, England, the son of John Crompton and his wife Elizabeth, nee Bonsor.

June 10th - Thomas Bonsor Crompton baptised at the Bolton Parish Church, Lancashire, England.

1807

April 16th - John Crompton, father of Thomas Bonsor Crompton dies.

1820

November 1st - Applied for a patent (Patent No. 4509) for drying paper using heated cylinders and felt. Also included a device for cutting paper at the end of the machine.

1821

April 26th - Appeared before the King in His Chancery in support of his patent application.

April 28th - Patent No. 4509 granted.

1823

March 14th - Mrs. Elizabeth Crompton, mother of Thomas Bonsor Crompton, dies.

1825

September 21st - Thomas Bonsor Crompton marries Jane Rideout, daughter of William Rideout and Ann Whitelegg at Manchester, Lancashire, England.

1827

September 15th - The "Manchester Guardian" reported that Thomas Bonsor Crompton had brought an action against Mr. Hirst, paper manufacturer at Leeds to recover the sum of £300 (£100 per annum per machine x 3), alleged to be due in respect to a license to use his patented invention for the drying of paper.

1828

May 13th - Applied for a patent (Patent No. 5655) with E. Taylor of Marsden, Yorkshire for improvements relating to the cutting of paper.

PATENTS LATELY GRANTED
T. B. Crompton, of Farnworth, Lancaster, papermaker, and E. Taylor, of Marsden, Yorkshire, for improvements in that part of the process of papermaking which relates to the cutting.
("Sheffield Independent" 9 August 1828 )

1833

May 21st - Extensive fire at Farnworth Paper Mills. Damage estimated at £5,000 to £10,000.

EXTENSIVE FIRE
About three o'clock on Tuesday morning, the extensive paper-works belonging to Messrs. Crompton, of Farnworth Mills, were discovered to be on fire. An alarm was immediately given, and a considerable number of workmen employed at the mills and in the neighbourhood were promptly on the spot. A messenger was instantly despatched to Bolton for the town engines, and fortunately he met with a waggon belonging to Messrs. Cross and Co., bleachers, Mort Field, and having procured one of the horses an engine was conveyed to the fire in about three-quarters of an hour after it was discovered. Two other engines quickly followed, and by the active exertions of the people assembled, with the assistance of the engines, the fire was at length got under. The damage is estimated at near £5,000, but as Messrs. Crompton are insured in the Norwich Union and three other offices, it is believed that the loss will be covered. We are glad to find that none of the principal steam-engines are injured, which will enable the works to go on without interuption. Every praise is due to the workmen and neighbours for their valuable assistance. During the progress of the fire, a portion of steam was poured upon the flames, which had a surprising effect in quenching them. The fire originated in a building where a quantity of cotton waste, old ropes, and other coarse materials used in the manufacture of certain descriptions of paper, were deposited, but the cause has not yet been satisfactorily ascertained.
("Manchester Guardian" 25 May 1833 )

Tuesday morning, about three, a fire broke out at Farnworth paper mills, Bolton, Lancashire, which has destroyed from £8 to £10,000 worth of property, consisting chiefly of buildings and paper materials, but fortunately no paper, either manufactured or in preparation, was burnt. No lives were lost, and, considering the nature of the property and the premises, the damage done is small. Mr. Crompton, the proprietor, was insured.

("Huntingdon, Bedford & Peterborough Gazette" 1 June 1833 )

1835

February 14th - The partnership of Thomas Bonsor Crompton, of Farnworth, Cotton Spinner and Peter Ditchfield, of Kearsley, Cotton Spinner as Cotton Spinners at Prestolee New Mills, in the Township of Pilkington, Lancashire, under the firm of Peter Ditchfield and Company was dissolved by mutual consent.

Notice is hereby given, that the Copartnership heretofore carried on between Thomas Bonsor Crompton, of Farnworth, in the County of Lancaster, Cotton-Spinner, and Peter Ditchfield, of Kearsley, in the said County, Cotton-Spinner, as Cotton-Spinners at Prestolee New Mills, in the Township of Pilkington, in the said County, or elsewhere, under the firm of Peter Ditchfield and Company, was this day dissolved by mutual consent. All debts owing to or from the said concern will be paid and received by the said Thomas Bonsor Crompton. - Witness their hands this 14th day of February 1835. Thos. Bonsor Crompton. Peter Ditchfield.

("London Gazette" 17 February 1835 )

1838

March 14th - A fire in one of the sheds at the Farnworth Paper Mills put out prior to the arrival of the fire engines from Bolton.

June 30th - "The Bolton Chronicle" reported that Thomas Bonsor Crompton had provided a lavish dinner for the 600 workers at the Prestolee New Mills to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria.

1839

April 9th - Thomas Bonsor Crompton applies for a patent (Patent No. 8027) for improvements in the manufacture of paper.

1840

October 18th - Fire at Mr. Crompton's Mill at Farnworth Bridge, Lancashire..

FIRES SUPPOSED BY INCENDIARIES
A little after 2 o'clock on Sunday morning last a fire broke out in one of the bleaching-rooms at Mr. Crompton's mill, Farnworth Bridge, near Bolton, and on the alarm being given the two engines at the works and that at Prestolee mills, with Barnes's engine from Moses's Gate, were promptly on the spot, and by half-past four the fire was subdued. Sergeant Moody and the county constabulary force at Farnworth were of great service in protecting the property at the works. To the astonishment of Mr. Crompton and others, a fire again broke out in one of the bleaching-rooms in the mills on Monday night, and owing to the building being immediately adjoining others containing great quantities of paper, great fears were entertained for the safety of the whole mill. The news soon spread to Bolton, and the inhabitants, who at that hour of night were principally at liberty, were immediately on their way in great numbers, accompanied by the town engines and firemen; but owing to the distance from the town (about 3 miles) the fire had very fortunately been extinguished before their arrival. The damage is not fully known, but it is supposed it will amount to about £1,000. The proprietor, fortunately, is insured. That these fires have been the work of some incendiaries there can be little doubt; and what strengthens the supposition is the fact that a great number of hands (about 30 being discharged on Saturday last) have left the mills in consequence of refusing to accede to a reduction of wages. Something must have been inserted into the heaps of rags in the buildings, which has caused them to smoulder until they have burst out into a flame. - "Manchester Chronicle."
("The Cork Southern Reporter" 20 October 1840 )

1841

June 6th - Appears in census living at Farnworth Bridge, near Bolton, Lancashire. Living with his wife Jane Crompton and nephew William Rideout; also servants - Martha Barraclough; Ellen Hulme; Margaret Driver; Moses Parkinson and Alice Eaves.

1842

March 22nd - The partnership of Charles Button, Thomas Bonsor Crompton, John Howell, William Sedgwick and Thomas de la Rue as Kremnitz Patent White Lead Company, Belvidere Road, dissolved.

1847

February 3rd - A deputation of paper makers, consisting of Mr, John Cameron (chairman), Mr. Charles Cowan, Mr. Edward Collins, Mr. Alexander Pirie, junior, Mr. Thomas Wrigley, and Mr. T. B. Crompton, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

1848

July 1st - The partnership of Thomas Bonsor Crompton and Charles Eastland Michele, of and in the profits of the "Morning Post" Newspaper, Wellington Street North, Strand, London, dissolved.

1849

October 17th - Thomas Bonsor Crompton and friends shoot grouse in the Scottish Highlands.

THE MOORS
Some of the best sport we have heard of in the Highlands of Scotland this season has been at Carrour, the shootings of T. B. Crompton, Esq., of Farnworth, with his friends S. Blair, Esq., M.P. for Bolton and Edward Woolmer, Esq., of Exeter, with the assistance of a few occasional visitors, - from the 1st September to the 9th October. - Mr. Crompton never commences shooting until the 1st of September, consequently the birds are strong upon the wing and in full feather. It is thought that if this plan was more generally adopted, instead of slaughtering the cheepers and young birds in the month of August, that the lovers of the trigger would contribute much more to the true enjoyment of their sport. Game has been very abundant at Carrour, and it is mainly attributable to the vigilance of Mr. Crompton's keepers in the destruction of vermin and birds of prey. - The weather during the month of September has been remarkably fine, and from the 1st October to the 9th the nights have been cold and frosty, but the days bright and clear, with a brilliant sunshine; indeed, such a splendid autumn was scarcely ever recollected.
("Dublin Evening Mail" 17 October 1849 )

1850

February 12th - Thomas Bonsor Crompton was part of a deputation who had an interview with Lord John Russell at Downing Street, London regarding the tax on paper.

THE TAX UPON PAPER
On Tuesday, a deputation of gentlemen, representing paper-makers, publishers, and printers, in England and Scotland, had an interview with Lord John Russell, in Downing Street. Amongst those present were Mr. Charles Cowan, M.P.; Mr. T. B. Crompton, of Farnworth, Lancashire; Mr. Baldwin, of Shelbourne Mill, Birmingham; Mr. Thomas Wrigley, of Bury, Lancashire; Mr. James Durham and Mr. Henry Bruce, Edinburgh-shire; Mr. Robert Chambers, of Edinburgh; Mr. Charles Knight and Mr. W. S. Orr of London. The deputation was accompanied by Mr. Hume, M.P., and by Mr. Scholefield and Mr. Blair, the members respectively for Birmingham and Bolton.
("Dublin Weekly Nation" 16 February 1850 )

December 31st - Thomas Bonsor Crompton chairs a meeting of local paper manufacturers at the Clarence Hotel, Spring Gardens, Manchester seeking the repeal of the duty on paper.

1851

March 30th - Appears in census living at Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire. Living with his wife Jane Crompton and nephew William J. Rideout; visitors - Joseph Tawton and his wife (Mrs. S. W. Tawton); William F. Lawton with nurse Mary Baxendale and James H. Whitehead; and servants - Richard Lambley; C. A. Nuttall; Elizabeth Ives and Mary Wrigley.

September 1st - Commenced his shooting at Corrour in Scotland.

Mr. Crompton commenced his shooting at 'Sliabh Ossian' on the 1st September, (and not on the 12th August, which is the general practice), etc. Mr. Crompton's shooting lodge is beautifully situated on the side of Corrour, commanding a most charming view of Ben Nevis, with the range of mountains opposite, and the intervening lochs and vales. It is said to be the highest inhabited house in Scotland, being nearly 3,000 feet above the level of the sea.

("Manchester Courier" 4 October 1851 )

October 8th - Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort tour through Farnworth, Lancashire when returning to London from Balmoral.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S VISIT TO LANCASHIRE
The Queen and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, with the Prince of Wales, and other youthful members of the Royal family who had accompanied their illustrious parents to Scotland, left Balmoral on their return to the south, on Tuesday, the 7th instant. Her Majesty and the Prince Consort, with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, rode in the first carriage. The Duke of Norfolk, the Earl Grey, and the Equerries in attendance - Colonel Phipps and Colonel Gordon - occupied the next carriage. The Marquis of Westminster, the Viscountess Canning, and the Hon. Miss Byng, rode in the third carriage. The fourth was occupied by the Duke of Wellington, Captain the Hon. Frank Egerton, and the Lady Alice Egerton. The Earl of Ellesmere, Viscountess Brackley, the Hon. Algernon Egerton, and the Lady Blanche Egerton, rode in the last carriage. - After passing through Worsley village, where, in addition to Lord Ellesmere's dependants, her Majesty was welcomed by a very large body of well-attired artisans from Messrs. Crompton's Prestolee New Mills, the cortège proceeded at a moderately rapid speed towards Salford. At Irlam-o'-the-Heights, Messrs. Crompton's employés from Farnworth Paper Mills were assembled, to the number of about 1,500. These fine fellows gave her Majesty a most hearty reception. Proceeding onwards, the outlying suburb of Pendleton was first reached.
("Illustrated London News" Supplement, 18 October 1851 )

1852

November 5th - Thomas Bonsor Crompton purchases another newspaper.

CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Crompton, the paper manufacturer, has purchased the "Sun"" newspaper.
("Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser" 5 November 1852 )

1855

October 12th - Stephen Blair kills a stag at Thomas Bonsor Crompton's lodge.

THE FORESTS
A few days ago Mr. Blair, one of the party at present enjoying the hospitality of Mr. Crompton, at 'Sliabh Ossian' Lodge, Perthshire, killed a Royal stag, with ten tynes, which fell 21 stone, and weighed, when cleaned, 15 stone. Mr. Blair placed two shots in the spine, behind the shoulder, one inch and a half from each other. - "Inverness Courier"
("Morning Post" 12 October 1855 )

1856

May 31st - On this Saturday afternoon Thomas Bonsor Crompton provided a sumptuous dinner for his workers at the Prestolee Mills as part of the peace celebrations, and his workers at the Farnworth Paper Mills were also provided with a dinner at the Gravel Hole Public House. Both dinners were preceded by a procession through the streets accompanied by musical bands.

PEACE REJOICINGS - TREAT TO WORKPEOPLE
On Saturday afternoon, a grand entertainment and demonstration was held at the Prestolee Mills, near Bolton, belonging to T. B. Crompton, Esq. These very extensive works are situate on the banks of the river Irwell, in the vicinity of Farnworth, and afford employment to upwards of 1,500 people. Mr. Crompton, the proprietor, who is also the proprietor of the Farnworth Paper Mills, anxious to afford the workpeople in his employ a treat at the conclusion of the war and the restoration of peace, provided a sumptuous dinner, with an abundant supply of good old beverage, in a large room adjoining the mill. About twelve hundred sat down to dinner. The children under 13 years, to the number of 400, met in the Prestolee schoolroom, and were there regaled with buns, coffee, and oranges. After ample justice had been done to the viands provided, the whole of the workpeople and children formed into procession, and walked through the village, headed by a powerful band of music, and accompanied by the managers and overlookers to the various departments of the mill. - The health of T. B. Crompton, Esq., was drunk amidst great applause. The company then adjourned into the yard outside the mill, when dancing and other amusements were entered into with great spirit. In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks, together with an ascent of balloons. The proceedings terminated in a peaceful manner, and the pleasure and enjoyment of the day will not soon be forgotten. The workpeople at the Farnworth Paper Mills were also treated with a dinner by their employer, Mr. Crompton. They assembled at the mill in the afternoon, and then walked in procession through Farnworth, preceded by a band of music. The men all wore caps, ready made of 'red, white, and blue' paper and presented a novel appearance. Dinner was provided at the Grand Hole Public House, and the evening was spent in a social and convivial manner.
("Manchester Times" 7 June 1856 )

December 11th - A large fire at the Farnworth Paper Mills causes about £5,000 to £6,000 worth of damage. The Mills had not been insured because of the high premiums and the fact that two powerful fire engines were kept on the premises.

FIRE AT THE FARNWORTH PAPER MILLS, NEAR BOLTON LE MOORS
A fire broke out on Thursday last, about 20 minutes before 4 o'clock, in the extensive paper works of Messrs. John and T. B. Crompton. It originated in the upper room of a large building, four stories high with 18 windows in length, and used chiefly as storerooms for rags. From the combustible nature of the materials the fire spread with terrible fury; and although there were three engines on the spot belonging to Messrs. Crompton, and an excellent fire-brigade, assisted by two engines from the neighbouring works and three from Bolton, the fire could not be arrested until the building and the adjoining rag store were a mass of ruins. When the building fell a portion of the burning materials alighted upon the glass roof of an adjoining shed, in which were three valuable paper machines. The roof was partially destroyed, but the fire was got under before much damage was done to the machines. A 24 horse engine, used to drive these machines, was considerably injured by the falling of the walls and roofs of the large building; but fortunately Messrs. Crompton have water power, so that no part of the works will be stopped. Had the fire spread to an adjoining warehouse the loss of property would have been great. The damage is estimated at £6,000, upon which there was no insurance, Messrs. Crompton having been in the habit of adopting every precaution against fire.
("Armagh Guardian" 19 December 1856 )

December 31st - The partnership between Thomas Bonsor Crompton and James Pearson Fletcher was dissolved.

PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED
Crompton, Thomas Bonsor & James Pearson Fletcher, of Outwood in Pilkington, Cotton Spinners, 31st December. Debts by Crompton.. - "Gazette" February 27, 1857.
("Perry's Bankrupt Gazette" 7 March 1857 )

1858

September 8th - Died at the residence of Thomas De La Rue, "The Hassels," in the Parish of Sandy, Bedfordshire, England.

September 13th - Buried at St. John the Evangelist Church, Parish of Farnworth with Kearsley, Lancashire, England.

October 7th - Probate on his Will, with a Codicil, granted at the Principal Registry, London, England. *

1860

June 29th - A challenge to the Will of Thomas Bonsor Crompton in the Court of Probate is withdrawn.

LAW INTELLIGENCE
Litigation has arisen upon the will of Mr. Thomas Bonsor Crompton, paper maker, and for some time previous to his death, in 1858, proprietor of the "Morning Post." He left a fortune of between £300,000 and £400,000; out of which, by the will propounded, his widow was to have an annuity of £5,000, £60,000 was to be invested for the benefit of six nephews and nieces, and the rest was bequeathed to his wife's nephew, Mr. Rideout. Two of the nieces, who expected more, opposed the will on the ground of incapacity of the testator, and undue influence on him by Mr. Rideout and the widow. They had, however, no case, and withdrew from their opposition. Probate of the will was therefore decreed. In a schedule of his property the deceased had put down the value of the "Morning Post" at £30,000.
("Hampshire Advertiser" 7 July 1860 )

1865

January 6th - His widow, Jane ( nee Rideout ) died at Lower Grove House, Roehampton, Surrey, England.

January 11th - His widow buried at St. John the Evangelist Church, Parish of Farnworth with Kearsley, Lancashire, England.

February 21st - His widow's Will, with a Codicil, probated at the Principal Registry, London, England. **

1874

BRASS PLAQUE UNDER EAST WINDOW IN CHANCEL
"To the Glory of God and in affectionate remembrance of Thomas Bonsor CROMPTON and of Jane CROMPTON his wife, this window was put in by their nephew William Jackson Rideout, 1874."
( St. John's Church the Evangelist, Farnworth, Lancashire - 1874 )

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